As we get closer to the holidays, my mind and heart naturally turn toward those in our community who are struggling. For many, this season brings joy, celebration, and family gatherings — but for others, it can be an especially difficult time marked by loneliness, instability, and need. Our local shelters, Sally’s House for women and children and the Men’s Shelter at the Salvation Army, work tirelessly all year long. But the Christmas season is always their busiest. More people seek warmth, safety, and support, and the demand for basic supplies grows quickly.
To help raise awareness and support both shelters, I’m sharing their current list of most-needed essentials.
These are simple, everyday items — things we often take for granted — but they make an enormous difference for someone trying to get back on their feet.
* Shampoo
* Conditioner
* Razors
* Hot chocolate
* Tea bags
* Honey
* Coffee
* Bottled water
* Socks
* Mittens
* Hats
*Hygiene Products
These donations directly support women, children, and men who rely on the shelters for warmth, hygiene, comfort, and care.If you’re local and able to help in any way, it would be so appreciated — not just by the staff and monitors, but by every person who receives these small acts of kindness. Every bottle of shampoo, every warm pair of socks, every cup of tea matters.Thank you all for any help you can give this holiday season. Together, we can make it a little brighter for those who need it most.
If you are experiencing homelessness and you would like to be assessed for available housing options in the Heart of Texas region, please call Heart to Home Coordinated Entry at 254-297-8929, or go to an access point to be assessed. Full resource page here: https://www.mclennan.gov/1190/Community-Resources
Debbie Wright is a Waco-based creative entrepreneur, digital storyteller, and community advocate dedicated to elevating local voices and arts culture. As the Digital Media Specialist for WACOAN Magazine and host of the Know Waco podcast, she spotlights the people, places, and stories that make Central Texas vibrant. Debbie is also the founder of Cultivate Waco, a mobile arts initiative bringing pop-up galleries, community events, and creative experiences to neighborhoods across the city. With a background in marketing, curation, and multimedia content creation, she blends her love for travel, art, and community connection into every project she touches.
If you’re craving a little adventure this holiday season — something festive, fun, and just far enough from home to feel like a true getaway — a weekend trip from Waco to Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana is the perfect escape. Only a four-hour drive east, this Bossier City destination blends holiday sparkle, Louisiana flavor, and nonstop entertainment into one unforgettable weekend.
Before we dive in, you can watch the full Know Where video recap of our trip here 👉
https://youtu.be/ufAukiNjBn4?si=PTrckh1mHVksiaug
🎄 A Festive Destination
Opened earlier in 2025, Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana shines even brighter during the holidays. Think warm lighting, seasonal décor, special events, and that unmistakable Louisiana hospitality that makes everything feel celebratory.
🏨 Cozy Stays & Seasonal Comfort
With over 500 modern, beautifully designed rooms, the hotel becomes a cozy winter retreat. Soft textures, city views, and curated artwork create the perfect backdrop for unwinding after a festive night out.
Start your morning with a seasonal latte or pumpkin spice coffee at Ridotto Grand Café, or treat yourself to a holiday feast at The Prime Rib, where Wagyu cuts, rich flavors, and an elevated wine list make every meal feel like a celebration.
🎁 The Holiday Experience
Our weekend kicked off with one of the resort’s signature themed events — a Halloween crossover bash featuring Le Freak, costume contests, and festive cocktails. It was the kind of playful, high-energy celebration that sets the tone for the whole season.
Saturday brought a perfect mix of excitement and relaxation:
• Holiday brunch at Ridotto
• A cozy latte to warm up after morning travel
• Football at Sports & Social, the ultimate spot for holiday game days
• A walk through the property to explore local artwork, seasonal installations, and surprises around every corner
By evening, the resort came alive with holiday nightlife — from the Wagyu & Wine dinner to live music at PBR Cowboy Bar, and themed parties that turned every moment into a photo-worthy memory.
✨ The Magic Beyond the Casino
One of the best holiday surprises? The intentional touches woven throughout the property — from local artists featured in the lobby and event center to festive programming, seasonal drinks, and friendly staff who genuinely want you to enjoy your stay.
It’s an atmosphere that feels warm, vibrant, and full of possibility — exactly what a holiday getaway should be.
🚗 The Road from Waco
At just under four hours away, Bossier City makes for a stress-free holiday road trip. Whether you’re escaping the end-of-semester rush, planning a couples weekend, or gathering friends for a seasonal adventure, the journey is easy, scenic, and well worth it.
🎉 Why It’s the Perfect Holiday Escape
If the holidays have you craving:
✔️ A change of scenery
✔️ A little sparkle and excitement
✔️ A place to unwind and celebrate
✔️ Something fun that still feels close to home
—then Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana checks every box.
From the festive energy to the luxurious touches, it’s the kind of trip that turns into tradition — the sort of place you’ll want to visit every year as the season begins.
Pack your weekend bag, cue up a holiday playlist, and treat yourself to a little adventure — Louisiana style.
And don’t forget — you can relive the full experience on the Know Where YouTube channel 🎥✨
👉 https://youtu.be/ufAukiNjBn4?si=PTrckh1mHVksiaug
Debbie Wright is a Waco-based creative entrepreneur, digital storyteller, and community advocate dedicated to elevating local voices and arts culture. As the Digital Media Specialist for WACOAN Magazine and host of the Know Waco podcast, she spotlights the people, places, and stories that make Central Texas vibrant. Debbie is also the founder of Cultivate Waco, a mobile arts initiative bringing pop-up galleries, community events, and creative experiences to neighborhoods across the city. With a background in marketing, curation, and multimedia content creation, she blends her love for travel, art, and community connection into every project she touches.
Written By: Darryl W. Thomas, Jr.
Shocking Realities
November is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, yet the crisis among men—especially those aged 16–24—remains largely unseen. Consider these statistics:In 2023, the suicide rate among males was nearly four times higher than that among females—about 22.8 deaths per 100,000 men compared to 5.9 for women.
- Suicide remains the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10–34 in the U.S.
- These are not just numbers—they reflect young men silently fighting battles with far too little support.
Everyday Wars: Military Deployment vs. Life at Home
As a U.S. Marine who served in Kuwait (2003) and Iraq (2004), I know what combat looks like. I faced enemies, exhaustion, fear, and the weight of being accountable for others’ lives.
But the wars don’t end when the uniform comes off. Young men today fight battles too—academic pressures, racial bias, job expectations, relationship demands, identity crises—equally real, equally destructive if unaddressed.
In both war zones, mental and emotional well-being must be prioritized. What you see, you can’t unsee. The trauma isn’t always visible—but it lingers.
Why Young Men Need Help Now
Young men (16–24) often carry silent burdens:
- The demand to “be strong” suppresses vulnerability.
- School, extracurriculars, work, family—all in a balancing act.
- Social media and cultural expectations add fuel to the fire of anxiety.If left unchecked, this stress becomes trauma, and trauma can lead to despair.
Three Practical, Proven Tips to Improve Mental Health
- 1. Encourage Open, Honest Conversation to Create environments where young men can speak without judgment. A simple question like “How are you really doing?” can break the silence. Chat with a peer, coach, or mentor. The most potent antidote to isolation is connection.
- 2. Build a Routine Anchored in Movement and PurposeExercise reduces anxiety and builds resilience. Commitment to physical movement—whether lifting, running, or team sports—signals you’re worth the effort. Add a simple daily goal or habit you stick to. The structure will give your mind something to hold onto.
- 3. Teach Self-Awareness and RegulationHelp young men recognize triggers: fatigue, stress, unmanaged expectations. When they identify what pushes them off balance, they regain control. Couple that with a mental reset: meditation, journaling, prayer. Awareness leads to action.
Why Our Mission Matters: Hope for the Underdogs
Many youth we serve are emotionally imprisoned, not just physically. They’ve experienced trauma—neglect, abuse, systemic obstacles. Too often they lack the tools to process it.Our initiative—Hope for the Underdogs—uses leadership development and literacy programs (including our books TODAY… I WIN and TODAY WE WIN Volumes 1 & 2) to equip these young men with confidence, voice, and a pathway out of silence.Your support helps break the cycle. You help transform young men from wounded warriors into healthy leaders.Call to ActionSupport our work by sponsoring a young man’s participation in Hope for the Underdogs. Visit: https://www.committed2win.com/hopefortheunderdogs
Mark your calendar for the 2025 KING ME Conference, December 12–13 in Waco, TX—dedicated to young men’s leadership and mental wellness. For more info: [email protected]
Share this article. Talk about it. Ask the young men in your life: “How are you doing?” Your concern could launch a conversation that saves a life.
About Darryl W. Thomas, Jr.Darryl W. Thomas, Jr. is a U.S. Marine veteran (Kuwait 2003, Iraq 2004), leadership expert, award-winning speaker, holds a master’s in Educational Leadership and five-time bestselling author. Married 24 years to his high-school sweetheart and father to five children—ranging from a Marine to a TCU graduate—Darryl leads Committed 2 Win. He has dedicated more than two decades to empowering young men, advocating for mental health, and restoring community legacies.
📧 Contact Us: [email protected] | (254) 405-7245🌐 http://www.committed2win.com📺 YouTube Live Tuesdays @ 8:15 PM CST – @1DarrylWThomasLet’s normalize the conversation. Let’s empower young men and men alike to not just survive, but to thrive. Freedom from the internal war starts with awareness—and it starts with you.
References1 Suicide – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/suicide2 NCHS Data Brief No. 509 September 2024 – CDC. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db509.pdf
Darryl W. Thomas, Jr. is a U.S. Marine, leadership development expert, award-winning speaker, five-time bestselling author, and at-risk interventionist with over two decades of experience. He is the CEO of Committed 2 Win, a personal and leadership development community focused on inspiring, challenging, and empowering young people and adults to overcome adversity and take ownership in becoming the best version of themselves.Beyond his professional achievements, Darryl is a devoted family man, married to his high school sweetheart for 24 years and father to five children: a U.S. Marine, a TCU graduate, a University High School graduate, and two University High scholar-athletes.Let’s continue this conversation and ensure that every student knows they are not alone on their journey.Follow Darryl at LinkedIn, X and YouTube.
This week is OCD Awareness Week.
OCD Awareness Week is a worldwide event that serves to dispel myths about obsessive compulsive disorder, break the stigma around mental illness, provide education about the disorder, and share how to support those affected. There are over 200 million people worldwide living with OCD, and public misconception can prevent them from accessing timely and effective treatment needed to advance from suffering to thriving. This week, whether you share facts, tell your own story, or otherwise support OCD Awareness Week, you are making a powerful difference.
I was officially diagnosed with OCD at 21, meaning I lived a long time not understanding what my brain was doing to itself. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is also called the doubting disorder. It not only makes you doubt yourself and all aspects of your life, but, most of the thoughts that come with OCD are entirely illogical, which makes you doubt others, including those you love and trust most, and your basic understanding of reality.
Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that trigger intensely distressing feelings. Compulsions are behaviors an individual engages in to attempt to get rid of the obsessions and/or decrease distress. Together, they create harmful cycles of thinking and patterns of behavior. There is a public misconception that OCD is just a minor personality quirk or preference and that everyone is “a little bit OCD.” In reality, OCD is a serious and often debilitating mental health disorder that affects people of all ages and walks of life.
One of the unintended consequences of mental health education and advocacy amidst a time of social media is the watering down of clinical terminology. Many people can experience obsessive thoughts and/or compulsive behaviors at some point in their lives, but that does not mean that we “all have some OCD.” In order for a diagnosis of OCD to be made, this cycle of obsessions and compulsions must be so extreme that it consumes a lot of time, causes intense distress, or gets in the way of important activities that the person values.
Again, not all behaviors associated with OCD are indicative of a mental disorder, and a comprehensive evaluation from a qualified mental health professional is highly encouraged before self diagnosing. Obviously, I passed my tests with flying colors; no studying needed. I was in talk therapy, working out my thought processes with a mental health professional when she simply suggested the idea. The recognition and affirmation shocked my system. I was connected with a psychiatrist who gave me a lot more information on the specific diagnosis, connecting me with OCD specific resources. Going to therapy with OCD has been described as being in a boxing ring with an imaginary opponent, and I can attest to that. A lot of it is straight up exposure therapy or forcing yourself out of thoughts and behaviors that have been crafted for a sense of safety.
This week, I challenge you to share your story, listen to the stories of those living with OCD, share findings on the reality of it, and challenge myths and misinformation you see regarding this diagnosis.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a graduate of English Literature and Professional Writing & Rhetoric from Baylor University. With passions in archival preservation, communal connection, and women in sports, she writes because it matters, with hopes of bridging villages and fostering revelry amongst them.
The Month of October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, where communities are going the extra mile to raise awareness and take a stand against domestic violence. Advocates say that awareness is the first step towards prevention and making lasting change, and here in Waco, the Family Abuse Center is advocating for the education of our community on the cycles of violence. Early intervention, prevention education, domestic violence education, and community awareness can interrupt the intergenerational cycle of violence and reduce the social acceptance of domestic violence.
The Family Abuse Center offers a free, safe, and confidential place for adults and children to begin to experience life without violence. Their professional staff listens, advocates, and provides support to all those seeking services. They offer counseling, transportation, job and life skills education, and more.
Each October, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Family Abuse Center recognizes the victims who have died due to domestic violence during the previous year. This year, the Family Abuse Center will be gathering on October 17th at the Waco Suspension Bridge in memory of the Texas women and men killed by their intimate partners. Domestic violence violates an individual’s privacy, dignity, and security due to the systematic use of control and abuse. This day provides an excellent opportunity for citizens to learn more about domestic violence issues and show support for the organizations and individuals who are providing advocacy services to domestic violence victims.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a graduate of English Literature and Professional Writing & Rhetoric from Baylor University. With passions in archival preservation, communal connection, and women in sports, she writes because it matters, with hopes of bridging villages and fostering revelry amongst them.
By Debbie Wright
On Thursday, September 25, 2025, Retro Runway transformed the Lee Lockwood Library & Museum into a dazzling world of glamour, nostalgia, and timeless style. Presented by Cultural Arts of Waco and benefitting The Yellow Cottage Kitchen, the event celebrated the unforgettable fashion of the 60s, 70s, and 80s—while championing a forward-thinking mission in our community.
As one of the models walking the runway, I had the incredible opportunity to step into this showcase of vintage Hollywood and television costumes once worn by some of the era’s most glamorous stars.
The curated exhibition featured highlights such as:
- A burgundy velvet and dyed fox outfit worn by Eva Gabor in The Princess Academy
- The iconic cream and black floral dress and hat from the infamous Joan Collins vs. Linda Evans catfight scene on Dynasty
- A yellow coat dress and turban worn by Joan Collins on Dynasty
- A red and black lace cocktail dress worn by Linda Evans on DynastyA gray day dress worn by Stephanie Beacham on The Colbys
- A red suit and hat worn by Joan Collins on Dynasty
“These outfits represented not only extraordinary vintage design but also the bold, glamorous storytelling of television in the 1980s,” said Doreen Ravenscroft, President of Cultural Arts of Waco.
Retro Runway brought sparkle, style, and a dash of nostalgia, but its impact went far beyond fashion. Proceeds supported The Yellow Cottage Kitchen, a program providing culinary opportunities and meaningful employment for adults with intellectual differences. Learn more about the Yellow Cottage Kitchen- https://culturalartswaco.org/yellowcottagekitchen/
The afternoon unfolded with a vintage-inspired runway show, curated costume exhibition, delicious summer fare, and of course, mimosas. Guests left not only with memories of glamour but also with the knowledge that they were helping to build a more inclusive future.
The Baylor University revised “Animals on Campus Policy” inhibits the feeding of any cats on campus property. Baylor originally issued the “Animals on Campus Policy” in December of 2009, and it was last revised in June of 2023, with the content reportedly being pushed and publicized to students, faculty, and staff in May of 2025. The purpose of this policy is to address the health and safety concerns that animals pose to the campus community, with things such as allergies, disruptions, injuries, disease transmission, and damage to property. Makes sense.
Most of the policy addresses things like service animals in campus classrooms, pets in dormitories, and information about the possible wild animals on campus. However, on page six of the Baylor policy, it states, “For safety, feral cats or loose dogs without owners should be treated with the same caution as a wild animal.” This policy fails to mention pre-existing community cat colonies on campus by not assigning them definitions nor establishing their protections for their current daily habits. If these habits and protections are still in place, Baylor has simply failed to mention it.
I read through the City of Waco’s Municipal Codes, specifically Chapter 5 on ANIMALS, and they define a community cat as any free-roaming cat, regardless of socialization or sociability, cared for by one or more known or unknown residents of the immediate area. Baylor cannot morally, ethically, or legally ask people to stop caring for community cats, when they are recognized as legal entities within city municipalities.
From Chapter 5, Section 129, the City of Waco defines negligent care as failing, refusing, or neglecting to provide any animal in a person’s charge or custody, as owner or otherwise, with proper food, drink, shade, shelter, or veterinary care as may be necessary.
Animal Birth Control of Waco has submitted a proposal to Baylor administration that would allow them to officially manage the campus cat colonies while addressing the university’s concerns about other wildlife. The controversy comes at a particularly sensitive time for the Waco community.
In May, two cats were found shot and hanged from utility lines near the Baylor campus, sparking widespread outrage. Not to mention, Chase the Blue Heeler puppy was just saved from an abusive owner in Lacy Lakeview and is now living with Officer Nathan Rodriguez, who says he “seems very happy in his new home.”
On Friday, a volunteer with Animal Birth Control of Waco arrived to feed cats at one of several colonies she regularly visits on campus. The volunteer was met with a pest control worker, who allegedly told her Baylor University had hired his company to trap and relocate all the feral cats on campus. Carrie Spivey, executive director of Animal Birth Control of Waco, says the cats in question aren’t just strays — they’re part of a managed colony program. Spivey says that relocating these cats would be both illegal and inhumane under Texas law. The cats have become an integral part of campus life, with students regularly interacting with them, taking photos, and giving them names.
While the cats are still alive and well, how long will Baylor be keeping them around? Feeding stray animals is not a crime. College aged students should know to not interact with dangerous, wild animals. Finally, I’d rather care for helpless, innocent creatures than worry about infrastructure with a budget for cleaning.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a graduate of English Literature and Professional Writing & Rhetoric from Baylor University. With passions in archival preservation, communal connection, and women in sports, she writes because it matters, with hopes of bridging villages and fostering revelry amongst them.
The Robinson Family Farm is opening up for Fall Festivities on Saturday, September 27th. Get ready for family-friendly fun, including helicopter rides, pig races, food trucks, putt-putt games, farm animals, zip lines, pumpkin patches, crazy desserts, live concerts, gift shops and so much more. The Robinson Family Farm’s Fall Fest will go on through the month of October, so plan your visit to the Farm soon!
The Western Belle Family Farm will be starting their fall celebrations on the same day, Saturday, September 27th. Open until early November, the Western Belle Family Farm is open for plenty of time to catch their pumpkin patches, hay rides, farm animals, zip lines, delicious foods, and so much more.
Over in Hewitt, Skellington Courtesies keeps the spooky vibes going year round, with inquisitive oddities, dark decor, and metaphysical supplies for all your witchy needs. Check out the curious collection at 512 N Hewitt Drive for books, candles, crystals, and all of your upcoming Halloween-season essentials.
Gallery 11 is dedicated to offering high-quality gems and jewelry to delight customers from every walk of life. Their focus on community and customer service means you’ll have a stellar experience, every time. Lucy, the official shop dog, is excited to welcome you to their pet-friendly business. Kara, the owner who founded Gallery 11 in January 2023, sources premium crystals and jewelry throughout the year, so stop by the store to see what’s new!
Downtown Waco is full of unique art galleries and interesting exhibits that attract visitors from all over the country. However, instead of exploring the conventional art galleries in Waco, try to find the locations of the six spooky rat murals painted by Xavier Prou, a well-known Parisian artist. By exploring Franklin and Austin Avenue, visitors can discover the locations of these murals. The best way to go on this unique journey is by finding the mural locations by yourself without spoilers.
Waco is the birthplace of Dr. Pepper. For this reason, visitors often go to the Dr. Pepper Museum in Waco to explore the fascinating history of this popular beverage. However, there’s an experience inside the museum that is known for being unique and memorable: making your own soda. The Make-a-Soda tour at the Dr. Pepper Museum allows visitors to create their own unique, weird soda flavor – make it as weird or as plain as possible! General admission to the museum is just $10 per person, but the Make-a-Soda tour costs an additional $10.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a graduate of English Literature and Professional Writing & Rhetoric from Baylor University. With passions in archival preservation, communal connection, and women in sports, she writes because it matters, with hopes of bridging villages and fostering revelry amongst them.
Baylor University’s campus looks a little different at the moment. There are fenced-off portions of campus undergoing obvious reconstruction, accompanied by the sights of orange cones and the shouts of crew workers. A major project at the heart of campus that is causing much of this congestion is a huge step towards Baylor’s future.
The Memorial to Enslaved Persons is restructuring Founders Mall to acknowledge the immoral use of chattel enslavement during the building of Baylor’s original campus in Independence and the activities of daily life for nearly two decades. On Baylor’s ‘Background & History for a Memorial to Enslaved Persons’ webpage, it states, “It is an acknowledgment of a challenging part of our history while helping us see the need for Christian repentance while we press toward renewal, reconciliation and restoration.” Unfortunately, this isn’t the only accountability Baylor needs to take.
Previously, Baylor University and the City of Waco attempted to reconcile with Indigenous populations that originally inhabited the area. In October of 2020, Baylor authorized research on the history of Baylor’s land and its connections to Indigenous People, and in November of 2022, the University presented a Land Acknowledgement during Native American Heritage Month. In May of 2022, the Baylor Board approved a four-phase plan to address priorities identified by the Commission on Historic Campus Representations:
Phase One is complete, with the new Campus Experience Project.
Phase Two formally began February 20, 2024, with the ceremonial groundbreaking for the Memorial to Enslaved Persons. This phase also includes additional historical context being placed around the existing Judge Baylor statue, connecting his history of enslavement with those individuals recognized by the Memorial.
Phase Three will include enhancements to Speight Avenue that explain how the land upon which Baylor sits evolved and was developed, often at the expense of communities and individuals already occupying the property.
Phase Four will feature improvements along the Quadrangle.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a graduate of English Literature and Professional Writing & Rhetoric from Baylor University. With passions in archival preservation, communal connection, and women in sports, she writes because it matters, with hopes of bridging villages and fostering revelry amongst them.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
September is upon us, and our duty this Suicide Awareness Month is to start conversations regarding mental health, spread hope to those in need, and spark meaningful action around one of the most urgent crises of our time. World Suicide Prevention Day is Wednesday, September 10th, but all month long, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, and allied community members are uniting to promote suicide prevention.
Suicide affects millions of people every year, yet too many struggle in silence. It starts with one conversation: ask someone how they’re doing and be ready to truly listen. No one has to face their battles alone. Whether you’re facing challenges, hoping to support a friend or loved one, or looking to help, your voice matters.
Here in Texas, there are three branches of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. AFSP of Central Texas is hosting an Out of the Darkness fundraiser walk in Waco on September 27, 2025. With over 350 participants already joined, this walk at Brazos Park East is the perfect way to participate in the community in a way that matters.
Help exists, and healing is possible. Inform yourself of warning signs for suicide, encourage open conversations about mental health, and connect people to proven treatments and resources.
Elizabeth Riley hails from Tennessee and is a graduate of English Literature and Professional Writing & Rhetoric from Baylor University. With passions in archival preservation, communal connection, and women in sports, she writes because it matters, with hopes of bridging villages and fostering revelry amongst them.